Printer of "Monopoly Money" goes bust

A year ago, this had the spending power to purchase an entire London street.

J. Parslow and Sons, for 48 years printers of "Monopoly" money, have called in administrators after reporting 3-month losses. It is believed that the boardgame market has seen falls of between 18% and 24% in the pre-Christmas period, their worst figures since the Second World War.

"I've never seen anything like this recession," said Harold Broadly-Speaking, the Managing Director.

It is believed that the game's manufacturers have been importing supplies of "money" from China, but these are usually of a lower grade than those from Parslows. Showing me round their large printing works in Merton-on-the-Wandle, Harold showed me 100 pallets of printed notes awaiting shipping, but orders have dried up.

It is thought a Government bail-out for the firm is unlikely.

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